When to Plant Cabbage in Miami-Dade County, FL
Cabbage is a versatile cool-season crop that forms dense, leafy heads in green, red, or savoy varieties. It is a staple for coleslaw, sauerkraut, and many global cuisines.
Miami-Dade County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 1 and the first fall frost is December 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 364 days.
At an elevation of 123 feet, Miami-Dade County receives approximately 58.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cabbage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cabbage root diseases.
Miami-Dade County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.1-6.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Miami-Dade County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.3) is more acidic than Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Miami-Dade County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Cabbage will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cabbage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.3%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Cabbage.
How to Plant Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
How Much Cabbage to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cabbage plants in about 30 sq ft. In Miami-Dade County's 364-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Cabbage
Cabbage needs approximately 0.9 inches of water per week (3.9" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3.9" | 2.9" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Feb | 3.9" | 2.9" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.9" | 2.5" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 9.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.9" | 2.3" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 3.9" | 2.7" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Miami-Dade County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cabbage Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Cabbage Planting Timeline — Miami-Dade County, FL
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 4 | Dec 4 – Dec 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 1 | Jan 1 – Jan 15 |
| Direct Sow | December 11 | Dec 11 – Jan 1 |
| Harvest | March 5 | Mar 5 – Apr 30 |
| Fall Sowing | November 5 | Nov 5 – Nov 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | — |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | Fall Sowing |
| December | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10b
📆 Growing Season
364 days in Miami-Dade County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Miami-Dade County
Sandy soil in Miami-Dade County dries quickly — mulch Cabbage with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Common pests for Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. Space plants 18-24 inches apart. Keep soil evenly moist to prevent heads from splitting.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cabbage in Miami-Dade County, FL?
Miami-Dade County is in Zone 10b with an average last frost of January 1. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Miami-Dade County, FL?
Miami-Dade County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 1 and first fall frost is December 31.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Miami-Dade County gardeners in Zone 10b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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